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Glite Dictionary
🔲 Five-dot pattern ♍ 150-degree angle 🪙 A Roman coin
quincunx

quincunx

9.9
An ancient Roman coin worth five twelfths of an as
  • noun
  • /ˈkwɪŋkʌŋks/
  • Archaic
: quincuncio
  • The ancient Romans used a quincunx as a unit of currency.

Examples

  • Historians believe the quincunx was minted during a period of economic reform in Rome.

  • A quincunx is now a valuable artifact for those studying Roman currency systems.

  • The collector was thrilled to find a rare quincunx at the ancient coin auction.

  • I found a rare quincunx while exploring the ruins.

  • The collector was thrilled to find a rare quincunx at the ancient coin auction.

  • Historians believe the quincunx was minted during a period of economic reform in Rome.

  • A quincunx is now a valuable artifact for those studying Roman currency systems.

Synonyms

nummus
vsquincunx
  • Specialized
9.9

An old coin from Roman or Byzantine times

is a specific ancient Roman denomination worth five twelfths of an as

Surface Forms

quincunx singular
quincunxes plural

Etymology

The word quincunx comes from Latin parts quinque 'five' and uncia 'twelfth', so it originally meant 'five twelfths' and was the name of a Roman coin worth that amount. Think of the word quintet, 'group of five', to remember the 'five' part and why the coin had that value.